Nitrogen Fixation

Synopsis

Investigates some of the recent biochemical and genetic advances in the understanding of biological nitrogen fixation. Experiments at Rothamsted in the mid-19th century proved that nitrogen was essential for plant growth. Assesses the Rothamsted work and explains how some plants and legumes don’t need nitrogen fertiliser - they ‘fix’ atmospheric nitrogen via nodules on their roots. The nodules are formed by an interaction with soil bacteria of the genus Rhizobium. Looks at the biochemical and genetic studies of how biological nitrogen fixation, in particular relating to nodules, works. If biological nitrogen fixation is understood, ‘transferring’ the system to other plants would have enormous practical significance. Filmed at Rothamsted Experimental Station, the Unit for Nitrogen Fixation at the University of Sussex and the John Innes Institute, Norwich.

Series

Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Course S325

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Medium

Video; Videocassette. Standard formats. col. 25 min.

Year of production

1986

Availability

OUT OF DISTRIBUTION

Subjects

Agriculture; Biology

Keywords

fertilisers; legumes; nitrogen fixation; root nodules

Credits

Producer

Neil Cameron

Cast

Andy Johnston
Colin Walker

Production Company

Name

BBC Open University Productions

Distributor

Name

Open University Worldwide

Web

http://www.ouw.co.uk External site opens in new window

Phone

+44 (0) 1908 274066

Address

Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
MK7 6AA

Notes

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